NRL Best Bets, June 23
St George Illawarra vs. NZ Warriors
Head-To-Head
Both sides have found solid form of late, but the Warriors must win to secure their spot in the top eight.
Having freshened up the legs with last week’s bye, Andrew Webster’s men destroyed the Raiders by 22 points in Canberra two weeks ago after an equally devastating performance against the Dolphins.
It’s been a newsworthy week at St George Illawarra following Ben Hunt’s decision to request a trade, leaving us with more doubt than confidence they can put it behind them and bounce back against an in-form Warriors outfit.
Suggested Bet:
NZ Warriors to win at $1.45
Melbourne Storm vs. Manly Sea Eagles
Handicap
The Storm has been crunched into $1.19 favouritism following a dismantling of Wests in Campbelltown and an ill-timed pectoral injury to Sea Eagles’ fullback, Tom Trbojevic.
The latter has certainly had a greater impact on the market, with Trbojevic suffering the game-ending injury in the opening minutes of Origin II on Wednesday night.
From a Storm perspective, all of Cam Munster, Xavier Coates and Harry Grant seemingly came through the game unscathed, while they’re set to welcome Justin Olam back into the centres after his Round 14 concussion.
The Storm demolished Cronulla in their most outing at Aami Park, and we expect they can do similar damage against Anthony Seibold’s Manly.
Suggested Bet:
Melbourne (-12.5) at $1.90
Brisbane Broncos vs. Gold Coast
Totals
Both teams are fresh, one is battling to keep the top spot, and the other is hunting for a finals berth as they linger on the outskirts of the top eight.
While the Broncos are deservedly favourites as they aim for a fourth-straight victory, one only needs to cast their mind back to Round 7 when the two sides played out a 43-26 Broncos victory on the Gold Coast.
Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, Tom Flegler and Reece Walsh are all named to play for the Broncos following their Origin appearance. At the same time, the same goes for David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika and AJ Brimson.
Suggested Bet:
Over (-47.5) at $1.87
Greg Marzhew (Knights)
Anytime Scorer
Don’t read into this as though we’re expecting a Newcastle victory. That’s simply not the case.
However, after Marzhew was stood down from the Knights’ clash with the Roosters for failing to meet team standards, he will be hellbent on repaying his teammates and the Knights’ faithful. After all, perhaps their two-point loss could have been avoided.
He’s scored 10 tries from 10 games this season, so his $2.40 quote appears to be slightly overs.
Suggested Bet:
G. Marzhew anytime try scorer at $2.40
South Sydney vs. North Queensland
Same Game Multi
- Leg 1: Souths to win
- Leg 2: Over 44.5 points
- Leg 3: Souths first to 10 points
- Leg 4: A. Johnston 2+ tries
- Total: $8
